Your Class A CDL in Just 3-4 Weeks

California’s most comprehensive Class A CDL training program. From complete beginner to professional driver ready for $65,000-$85,000+ careers.
160 Hours of training
95% Pass Rate
95% Job Placement
$75,000 Avg. Graduate Salary

Class A CDL Program Overview

The Class A Commercial Driver’s License opens the door to the highest-paying trucking careers. You’ll learn to safely operate tractor-trailers, big rigs, and combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Program Duration

3 To 4 weeks

Schedule Options

Full-time day classes or part-time evening/weekend programs

Class A CDL

The Process

The student is responsible for their own success. Timely completion of the CLP Process, Online Course, Behind the Wheel, and Test Practice will expedite the process. IR Instructors will assist with all aspects of training; however, the student is the driving force behind their own success.

  1. Obtain a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)
  2. Online Knowledge Course
  3. 15-hours behind the wheel
  4. Vehicle Inspection, Basic Control Skills, and Road Test training and practice with instructor
  5. DMV Testing

Obtaining a Commercial Learners Permit

The First Step

Medical Physical Exam

The first step of the process is medical physical. The physical determines if you are in proper health to obtain a Commercial Driver License.

  1. Complete DMV Physical
  2. Complete online CDL Application (Approx 9 minutes)
  3. DMV Visit
  4. Medical Examination Report (MER) Form (MCSA 5875)
  5. Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) (MCSA 5876)
  6. Social Security Card
  7. Acceptable Identity Document
  8. Acceptable Residency Documents
  9. 10-Year History Record Check (If you previously had a license from another state)
  10. Pay DMV Application Fee
  11. Provide Thumb Print
  12. Pass a Vision Test
  13. Have ID Photo Taken
  14. Take and Pass Knowledge Test (Practice Test Available)

Once this list is completed, you will receive a Commercial Learners Permit. You must hold the permit for 14 days before Commercial Driver License Testing. 

During that time, you will complete the online CDL knowledge course, 15-hours behind the wheel, Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, and Road Test. 

Truck driver student in front of semi truck
The Second Step

Complete Online CDL Knowledge Course

You will need to complete the online CDL knowledge course. The course details are below.

Basic Operation ​
  1. Orientation 
  2. Control Systems/Dashboard 
  3. Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections 
  4. Basic Control 
  5. Shifting/Operating Transmissions 
  6. Backing and Docking 
  7. Coupling and Uncoupling 
 
Safe Operating Procedures 
  8. Visual Search 
  9. Communication 
 10. Distracted Driving 
 11. Speed Management 
 12. Space Management 
 13. Night Operation 
 14. Extreme Driving Conditions 
 
Advanced Operating Practices 
 15. Hazard Perception 
 16. Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies 
 17. Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings 

Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions 
 18. Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions 
 19. Roadside Inspections 
 20. Maintenance 

Non-Driving Activities 
 21. Handling and Documenting Cargo 
 22. Environmental Compliance Issues 
 23. Hours of Service Requirements 
 24. Fatigue and Wellness Awareness 
 25. Post-Crash Procedures 
 26. External Communications 
 27. Whistleblower/Coercion 
 28. Trip Planning 
 29. Drugs/Alcohol 
 30. Medical Requirements 

Taking CDL Online Course
The Third Step

Driving and Basic Control Skills

15-hours Behind the Wheel 

You will complete hours with an instructor in the vehicle you will utilize for DMV Testing. If you are new to commercial driving, we will start your driving time in a smaller commercial vehicle and work up to the vehicle you will test in. 

5-hours Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection and Basic Control Skills with instructor

All aspects of DMV testing will be practiced until you are confident. 

The Fourth Step

DMV Testing

  1. Schedule a skills test appointment (skills tests are not given without an appointment). You may also call 1-800-777-0133 during the regular business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, excluding holidays) to make an appointment.
  2. Bring the type of vehicle(s) for the class you want to drive.
  3. Pass the skills test, which includes
    • Vehicle Inspection
    • Brake Test
    • Basic Control Skills Test
    • Road Test

On test day, an instructor will accompany you in the appropriate vehicle to DMV for your testing

Retest Fee is applied as necessary

a semi truck by ocean

Why Choose Class Eight for Class A CDL Training

Experienced Instructors

All instructors have 15+ years of professional driving experience and are certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI).

CDL Instructor

Modern Training Fleet

Train on equipment you’ll actually drive professionally. Our trucks feature current technology.

Hands On Training

You’ll spend over 15 hours behind the wheel of real commercial vehicles, practicing everything from complex backing maneuvers to highway driving with one-on-one instructor coaching until you master every skill with complete confidence.



Career Outcomes and Opportunities

  • Long-haul freight delivery
  • $65,000-$85,000 starting salary
  • Nationwide travel opportunities
  • Benefits and bonuses
  • Home weekly routes
  • $60,000-$75,000 average salary
  • California and Western states
  • Better work-life balance
  • Home daily positions
  • $55,000-$70,000 annual income
  • LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers
  • Consistent schedule
  • Flatbed, tanker, auto transport
  • $70,000-$95,000+ potential
  • Higher skill requirements
  • Premium pay rates
  • Year 1: Entry-level company driver
  • Year 2-3: Experienced driver, potential trainer
  • Year 4-5: Owner-operator opportunities
  • Year 5+: Fleet ownership, training instructor
  • Three Job Offers

    Class Eight’s Class A program exceeded my expectations. The instructors really care about your success, and the job placement assistance was incredible. I had three job offers before graduation!
    Marcus J.
    Graduate January 2024, Now earning $82,000 with Knight Transportation